Line Type

Most of my reels are spooled with 8lb smoke colored fireline. Does anyone think it is necessary to switch to monofilament for jig fishing on the rivers this time of year?

Mono works well on those cool mornings when temps are below freezing. Other than that hard line should be good.

If you have a extra spool fill that with mono for quick change outs.

I will have one rod/reel rigged with mono. Do you notice you catch more fish with mono?

This time of year and threw most of the year I would think you will be better off with braid. Smaller diameter to cut threw the heavy current and no stretch to feel those fish hit better. Now getting into low flow and clearer water conditions there are more applications for mono to be used.

Add on a 6 foot or so fluorocarbon leader. Works great and if you really have to break your line from a stuck jig the leader will give way instead of a bunch of the superline.

Thanks for the help. I have noticed that I catch fewer walleyes using braided line in clear water conditions while jigging. I was unsure if it would make a difference this time of year on the Mississippi or Rainy Rivers.

The main factor to me is temp, current, and jig size…If I am fishing 3/16 and under there (especially vert jigging) is no way I can feel that jig in the current with braid…braid is a floating line and bellys against current.

I have fished with Dustin, James, and some other good jig pitchers and they all prefer mono in current and cold water…unless you can get away with a heavier jig.

In my recent report from the Fox River I was “taken to school” BIG TIME until I switched back to mono. I’d have an extra spool to go either way…